Editorials & Other Articles

bemildred

(90,061 posts) Sun Mar 30, 2014, 03:57 AM Mar 2014

Is There a Left-Wing Revival in the US?

Some say that it died, while others say it is being reborn as a progressive people's movement. Resistance is coming from immigrants, minimum-wage workers, defenders of fundamental rights and freedoms, and teachers. However, nothing exists that could be called a left-wing people's movement.

Jefferson warned that the tree of freedom must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is a natural fertilizer. He argued that no country can preserve its political freedoms if its leaders do not understand that its people will maintain their spirit of resistance and, with it, ready access to gunpowder. Jefferson added that he wished a rebellion would happen at least every 20 years. He saw it not as illegal insurgency, but as legal recuperation.

The unarmed social movements of the 1950s and 1960s refreshed the tree of freedom with their devotion and sacrifice. However, the system amplified the fear of violent rebellions, making public and private industry repressive and highly controlled for its own good.

Much debate was provoked among liberals when it was written that the left wing gave in to the country by declaring itself as liberal rather than radical, and taking a defensive stance that is solely seen in the electoral arena. That made the left wing move closer to the center, putting it second to the Democratic Party, meaning that the left wing's social vision was repressed, and its political imagination was wrecked. People criticized the left wing for its love-in with Obama, saying that playing second fiddle to him fundamentally shows its limits.

http://watchingamerica.com/News/235816/is-there-a-left-wing-revival-in-the-us/

7 replies

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Is There a Left-Wing Revival in the US? (Original Post) bemildred Mar 2014 OP

It's been brewing for a while now... elzenmahn Mar 2014 #1

no Doctor_J Mar 2014 #2

My only objection is that Bayardo did not continue writing more for me to read. Jefferson23 Apr 2014 #3

A refreshing change from the "send money" stuff that passes for politics here. nt bemildred Apr 2014 #4

Yes, and to which I have my share of guilt. Jefferson23 Apr 2014 #5

Worth checking at least once a week, that site, yes. bemildred Apr 2014 #6

Yea, I bookmarked it...thanks. n/t Jefferson23 Apr 2014 #7

elzenmahn

(904 posts)

1. It's been brewing for a while now...

Reply to bemildred (Original post)

Sun Mar 30, 2014, 05:28 PM

Mar 2014

...the rise of progressive/liberal talk radio, beginning in 2004, was a start.

Then there was Occupy - we know what happened with that, but the general sentiments that fueled it aren't going away any time soon.

I've said in other posts, that if we on the left expect to regain a workable amount of power and respect in governmental circles, it starts at the local/state level. Invest in and win those elections, and you begin to build a power base that can support more progressive candidates like the Kuciniches and the Graysons. This approach takes time - perhaps decades or even generations - to realize its true effect. But the Republicans were willing to do this - that's why they have locked up the South and Mid-West. We need to take a page from them and start thinking long-term.

Doctor_J

(36,392 posts)

2. no

Reply to bemildred (Original post)

Sun Mar 30, 2014, 11:51 PM

Mar 2014

Even on du liberals (not even left wingers) are abused daily. And the dc dems only use them as scapegoats after election disasters

Jefferson23

(30,099 posts)

3. My only objection is that Bayardo did not continue writing more for me to read.

Reply to bemildred (Original post)

Tue Apr 1, 2014, 02:52 PM

Apr 2014

*The crucial task for an engaged left wing in the United States is to admit that it does not exist as an effective political force.

Can't disagree with that.

**It has to build that force. That requires founding it on a vibrant workers' movement, which must resurrected. It must also reject the idea that one spark will magically set off a mass movement. This will not be achieved through progressive blogs either, but through the good old way of creating and establishing relationships with other groups that are not part of the comfortable inner circles of the left wing.

Ouch, neither can I disagree with that one.

Cool source, thanks.

The catastrophe of 2008 mobilized OWS, but for many reasons, that is gone..for the most part. I do hope we
can pull our resources together sooner than later so as to avoid more disasters already in the works.